Tag: language

From bird songs to frog ribbits, animals engage in countless forms of vocalization. However, no other species in the animal kingdom matches humans in complexity of language. The versatility of human speech allows us to discuss anything from what we ate for breakfast to the nature of the universe, and our ability to communicate is essential in all aspects of our lives. Because of this, it is natural for neuroscientists to search for an evolutionary explanation showing us how our unique language capabilities came about. One potential answer to this complicated question lies in the geneFOXP2.Continue reading

It’s 1861, and the French neurologist Paul Broca is examining a new patient. Dr. Broca is puzzled because all the patient can say is “tan.” When Dr. Broca asks him questions, Tan cannot seem to form the words. However, it is clear that Tan can understand language because, when he asked to whistle or sing a melody, he can do so without a problem. Something is wrong with his ability to speak! When he is asked to speak grammatically or create complete sentences, he cannot do it – not even in writing! Dr. Broca doesn’t know what to do for Tan, since he knows that Tan must have brain damage… but where?Continue reading

Admit it! You’ve taken one of those online quizzes to see if you’re more “right-brained” or “left-brained.” Too bad it’s all bunk! Popular culture would have you believe that creative and artistic people are right-brain dominated, while logical, methodical, and analytical people are left-brain dominated. The fact of the matter is that you use all parts of your brain equally, no matter your personality traits! So, how did this myth even come to be?Continue reading

Every once in a while, we hear of amazing scientific feats about how some new drug successfully reduces weight without dieting or exercise in monkeys, or how scientists slowed aging in worms and doubled their lifespans. These studies are often a cause for ridicule in the media, which reduces their significance and validity by implying that mice, flies, birds—any animal really—is not a true representation of the human condition.Continue reading

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Knowing Neurons is an award winning creative neuroscience education website by young neuroscientists! We make neuroscience accessible to anyone interested in learning about the brain! Delve into the mind via stories, infographics, interviews, and more!